Canyons Law Group

A Local Utah Law Firm Serving Clients Statewide

  • Your Rights
  • What Matters
  • Team Strategy
  • Felony Defense
  • Misdemeanors
  • Getting Help

Canyons Criminal Defense Team
Serving Clients Statewide

Can police search my car when I am pulled over for speeding?

November 2, 2022 By stephenh


Police conduct during a traffic stop is limited by Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure. If police observe a traffic violation, they can stop the vehicle and question the driver. The scope of their conduct is restricted to an investigation of the crime or violation that they believe has occurred. Searching a vehicle is an escalation of the scope of the stop (seizure) and also extends the duration of the stop.

Unless the police have a reasonable articulable suspicion of other criminal activity, their conduct during a traffic stop is restricted to investigating only the traffic offense. If police ask for “permission” to search your vehicle, you should be free to say no. If police have a search warrant or if they say that they are going to search with or without your permission, you should not physically interfere with them.

There can be benefits to affirmatively stating that you have not consented to the police search. But each situation will have different facts affecting what will make the most sense. If you have the ability to use your phone, calling an attorney for advice can be your best course of action.


Filed Under: Utah FAQ

Related Posts:

  • Will a prosecutor make an offer at the arraignment?


Criminal Defense Attorney Consultation

Protecting Your Rights
Helping You Be Heard

Felonies
Misdemeanors
Jury Trials
Appeals
Probation
Justice Courts
District Courts

Expungements in Utah

Make Your Record Match
Who You Are Today

Expungements
Pardons
402 Reductions

    Canyons Law - Contact Us Online






    CONTACT US

     


    Resources for Utah Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Legal Resources and Guides
    Utah Criminal Defense

    Criminal Litigation
    Negotiations
    Defense Strategy
    Constitutional
    Statutes & Rules
    Mitigation
    • Your Rights
    • What Matters
    • Team Strategy
    • Felony Defense
    • Misdemeanors
    • Getting Help
    Canyons Law Group, LLC

    Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
    Serving Clients Statewide

    Regular Office Hours: M-F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

    952 South Main St., Suite A
    Layton, UT 84041

    311 S. State St., Suite 350
    Salt Lake City, UT 84111

    Call Canyons Law Group
    801-448-7451


    David Blum, Amy Williamson, and Felipe Noriega
    801-238-6500
    Securely Make Payment Online

    Follow us on Facebook.

    Follow Canyons Law Group on Facebook

    Copyright © 2010–2023 · Stephen W. Howard, PC

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.